Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

329 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the current position on the building of the proposed community hospital at Tuam, County Galway; the stage the project is at; the amount of money which has been spent on the project other than the cost of acquiring the site; the project plans that have been forwarded by the health board; if the funding will be made available in 2003 to finance these particular stages; if the Western Health Board has proposals to install an ambulance centre on the site; if so, if his Department will provide the necessary funding for such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10990/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Callely):

The planning brief submitted by the WHB is still being considered in the context of national development plan funding available to my Department and the board.

To date a total sum of €90,548 has been spent on the project. The bulk of this was in respect of a feasibility study and the provision of security. The outline plans for the Tuam health campus provide for the inclusion of an ambulance centre. It cannot be stated if the project can be brought to a further stage in 2003 until the review of the NDP is completed.

Question No. 330 answered with Question No. 286.